Name: How to buy property abroad: a beginner’s guide
Start: 2023-08-24T16:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-08-24T17:00:00+01:00

Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Italy, including non-residents. In many cases the process is straightforward, but some non-EU buyers may need to meet Italy’s reciprocity principle (your notary/lawyer can confirm based on nationality).

The purchase is completed before an Italian notary (notaio), who verifies the legal title and registers the deed. Buying property does not automatically give you residency, so plan visas/residency separately if you want to stay long-term.

Question 2

What taxes and fees should I budget for when buying property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether the home is resale or new build and the region. Resales usually involve ITP (transfer tax) set by the autonomous community; new builds often involve VAT/IVA plus AJD (stamp duty) (the Canary Islands use IGIC instead of IVA for many items). In addition, budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and translations if needed.

After purchase, typical ongoing costs include IBI (property tax), community fees (if applicable), utilities, and non-resident tax obligations if you don’t live in Spain full-time.

Question 3

Does buying property in Portugal give residency or a Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Buying property in Portugal does not automatically grant residency.

Portugal’s ARI (Golden Visa) route still exists for eligible non-EU nationals, but the official ARI pathways focus on options like job creation, research funding, cultural/heritage support, and investment funds—and real estate purchase is not listed as a qualifying route on the current ARI requirements page.

If residency is part of your plan, treat eligibility as a separate compliance step before you buy.

Question 4

Does buying property in France give residency or a visa?

Accepted Answer

No—buying property in France does not automatically give you residency or the right to live in France long-term.

Residency depends on your nationality, visas, and income/insurance requirements. Property ownership can support a visa application (by showing accommodation), but it isn’t a guarantee.

If you want to spend extended time in France, plan the immigration route separately from the purchase, and make sure your notary and tax adviser understand your residency status for ongoing tax, rental income, and inheritance planning.

We strongly recommend speaking to visa, expat specialist to ensure that your route to France is smooth and done properly. Visit our France Experts directory for further assistance.

Question 5

Buying a new build in Paphos—what should I verify before paying deposits?

Accepted Answer

For new build/off-plan in Paphos, verify: the developer’s legal standing, the project’s permits, staged payments linked to milestones, snagging terms, and—most importantly—the roadmap to separate title deeds.

Your lawyer should also confirm how your Contract of Sale will be protected at the Land Registry and whether there are developer mortgages/charges affecting the land.

Off-plan can work well, but only if the contract and legal checks are done properly before you commit significant funds.

If you are interested in new builds and off plan, you can search for off plan properties in Cyprus on our property portal.

Question 6

What is the property buying process in Italy?

Accepted Answer

A typical Italy purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) due diligence (title, mortgages/charges, planning and cadastral conformity),

(3) preliminary contract (compromesso) with deposit (caparra),

(4) mortgage/finance (if needed) and final checks,

(5) completion at the notary signing the deed (rogito) and transferring funds,

(6) notary registers ownership with the land registry and updates cadastral records.

In Italy, verifying urban planning + cadastral conformity (often with a geometra) is a major risk-reducer, especially for older homes.

To fully understand the process of buying a property in Italy download our Italy Buying Guide.

Question 7

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Often yes—many Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically based on income, age, credit profile, and the property valuation. Non-resident mortgages commonly require more documentation (proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, ID) and may offer a lower loan-to-value than resident mortgages.

Expect the bank to commission an official valuation and to review the property’s legal status before final approval. If speed matters, get a mortgage assessment early and coordinate timelines with your lawyer so the financing conditions match the purchase contract dates.

We recommend speaking with a mortgage broker to understand the application process and get access to the latest mortgage deals in Spain.

Question 8

What’s different about buying property in the Algarve?

Accepted Answer

The Algarve is Portugal’s most established second-home and holiday-rental market, so buyers should plan for seasonality and operational realities (management, cleaning, maintenance).

Coastal exposure can also increase long-term upkeep.

The best Algarve purchases usually balance lifestyle appeal with “easy ownership”: reliable air-conditioning, parking, simple access, and low-friction maintenance if you’ll be abroad for parts of the year.

Question 9

What property checks and diagnostics are required when buying in France?

Accepted Answer

Most purchases in France include a seller “diagnostics” pack, commonly covering items like energy performance (DPE), lead/asbestos (where relevant by age), gas/electric safety (where relevant), natural/technological risks (ERP), and local requirements such as termites in certain zones. These reports inform you but don’t replace a deeper inspection—especially for older rural homes.

If you’re buying a character property, consider an independent surveyor to check structure, damp, roof condition, drainage, and renovation quality before you commit.

Question 10

What is a “Codice Fiscale” and why do I need it to buy in Italy?

Accepted Answer

The Codice Fiscale is your Italian tax code and it’s required for key steps in a property purchase—signing contracts, opening utilities, paying taxes, and often for banking. Many overseas buyers apply early because it can delay the preliminary contract (compromesso) and completion if it isn’t ready.

Your lawyer can usually guide the application process, or you can obtain it via the Italian tax office or consulate route depending on your situation.

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